Road closures, landslides, and waterlogging expected   Srinagar, Oct 04:  Kashmir is preparing for a three-day spell of rain and snowfall in higher reaches starting October 5 to October 7. The Meteorological Department has forecast wet and windy conditions, with significant snow expected in higher altitudes, while the plains may see rain and a sharp drop in temperatures. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Department, told Rising Kashmir that from October 5 to 7, the region will experience generally cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Higher altitudes are likely to receive light to moderate snowfall, with some areas in Jammu Division possibly facing heavy rainfall. Isolated parts of Kashmir Division may also witness moderate to heavy rain. Farmers have been advised to suspend harvesting and other fieldwork during this period due to risks of landslides and falling rocks in vulnerable areas. Snowfall is expected across the Kashmir Division, Chenab Valley, and the Pir Panjal range, with moderate to heavy snow in parts of South Kashmir and Chenab Valley. The system is expected to affect the region from the early morning of October 5 to the morning of October 7, bringing heavy snowfall to higher altitudes such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Razdan Top, Sinthan Top, and Zojila Pass. Lower-lying areas may receive rain or light snow depending on local temperatures. Night temperatures in the plains are expected to drop to 4°C–5°C, signaling the onset of winter. Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir Emergency Relief Organization, under the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, has issued a public advisory following a major weather alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar. Authorities have warned that the adverse weather may disrupt surface transport, including the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh highways, along with other key roads in the middle and higher reaches. It said,moderate to severe thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds are expected at several locations, while vulnerable areas may see landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls. Farmers have been advised to halt all field operations from October 5 to 7. “Water levels in rivers, local streams, and nallas are expected to rise, with low-lying areas likely facing waterlogging. Travel and communications in high-altitude and snow-affected areas may also be impacted.” Following the review, the administration has directed all frontline departments, disaster management teams, and emergency responders to keep men and machinery on high alert. Precautionary instructions have been circulated to ensure public safety. Residents have been advised to remain indoors during heavy rain, snowfall, or thunderstorms and to keep emergency essentials, including water, food, medicines, blankets, batteries, and torches, ready. People are asked to avoid non-essential travel and strictly follow instructions from local authorities. The advisory also cautions citizens not to enter flooded rivers, streams, or nallas, and to stay away from fallen electric wires or exposed electrical equipment. Travel on landslide-prone roads and high-altitude passes has also been discouraged. People living in flood-prone or low-lying areas have been advised to evacuate if directed. Residents are urged to secure rooftops, loose objects, and farm equipment, and ensure the safety of vulnerable family members indoors. Regular updates from the IMD and disaster management authorities should be followed. Additionally, citizens have been instructed to avoid moving livestock unnecessarily and stay clear of avalanche-prone zones and blocked watercourses. The advisory has been issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the Emergency Relief Organization, who also serves as the Nodal Officer of the UT Emergency Operation Centre, J&K. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to prepare for cold weather, potential travel disruptions, and road closures in mountainous areas. In response to the approaching weather system,  Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday has instructed all administrative departments to remain fully prepared to tackle any eventuality. “Our priority is the safety of every citizen. All district and divisional administrations must stay alert, ensure readiness of control rooms, and respond swiftly to any distress calls,” the CM said during a review meeting. Divisional Commissioners of both Jammu and Kashmir have activated all field officers, including those from district administrations, police, PWD, PDD, and health departments, to remain stationed at their respective headquarters and coordinate immediate response measures in case of emergencies. “All departments have been put on standby, particularly those handling essential services and transport. Our teams are closely monitoring river levels, road conditions, and weather updates,” a senior official from the Divisional Commissioner’s office said. The early snowfall is expected to boost tourism in ski destinations and marks the official start of the winter season in the valley. On October 2, higher reaches of Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall, while rains swept across the plains, adding a chill to the autumn air. Fresh snow covered Affarwat in Gulmarg’s ski resort, as well as Sinthan Top and Margan Top in Anantnag district. Meanwhile, traffic on Jammu-Srinagar NH-44 remains slow at Tharad, Udhampur, due to single-lane movement, uneven road surfaces, vehicle breakdowns, and movement of nomadic flocks. Authorities are managing traffic in a regulated manner over a 250–300 meter stretch. Commuters and goods carriers are advised to follow lane discipline and avoid unnecessary travel. On Sunday, there will be one-way traffic for LMVs will be allowed from Srinagar to Jammu via the Navyug Tunnel (0700–1000 hrs), while LMVs from Jammu to Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban will move from Nagrota during the same time. As per the traffic spokesman, the Mughal Road is open for LMVs in both directions. HMVs will be permitted from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar only after coordination between traffic units. Movement on NH-244 and SSG Road will follow regulated timings, and security forces are advised to plan convoys to avoid congestion.